Cause Of Deadly Oneida Lake Boat Accident Released

Oneida County, NY (WIBX) - Unsafe speed and possible driver inattention are being blamed for a boat accident that claimed the lives of a father and his two sons. That's according to Oneida County Sheriff, Robert Maciol, who announced the conclusion of his department's investigation into the deadly July 5th accident on Oneida Lake.

The investigation also revealed that two of the victims were unable to swim and none of the men were wearing life jackets. Anthony P. Aceto, Timothy Aceto, and Steven Aceto drowned after their boat hit a buoy during the 4th of July celebration. Their deaths has been ruled asphyxiation due to drowning.

Maciol says the "unsafe speed" finding was due to night time conditions, and the possible "driver inattention" was caused by the fireworks along the south shore of Oneida Lake. Also, Maciol says quick rescue actions by Robert Luckina, who was traveling with the Aceto’s and Anthony Pinto, who was fishing near the accident, saved Anthony J. Aceto and aided rescue units responding to the scene.